Health

Treatment of condyloma acuminatum with three different interferon-alpha preparations administered parenterally: a double-blind, placebo-controlled trial

Article Abstract:

Condyloma acuminatum is a sexually transmitted disease that causes anal and genital warts. It is caused by a human papillomavirus (HPV), and is becoming more common. Interferon has been shown to be more effective than placebo in treating HPV. Therefore, the effectiveness of three different interferon-alpha preparations, 2a, 2b and n1, in the treatment of condyloma was evaluated in 178 patients with the disease. Subcutaneous interferon-alpha reduced the size and number of warts by 50 percent when compared with placebo. All three interferon preparations were equally effective in treating the condition. Spontaneous regression of warts (without treatment) was more common among women than men. Also, interferon-alpha treatment was more effective in eliminating warts in women than in men. Interferon-alpha was associated with a higher incidence of fever, headache and chills than placebo. It is concluded that interferon-alpha reduced anogenital warts, although the rate of complete regression was low. Combination therapy, using several different treatments, should be evaluated further as a treatment for condyloma acuminatum. (Consumer Summary produced by Reliance Medical Information, Inc.)

Therapeutic efficacy and complications of excisional biopsy of condyloma acuminatum

Article Abstract:

Excisional cold-blade surgery may be an effective and low cost treatment for anogenital warts caused by condyloma acuminatum. Researchers analyzed the treatment effectiveness of scissors excision of single anogenital warts. The cure rate for scissors excision was about 80%, compared to cure rates of 20% to 60% for common treatments such as podophyllin and cryotherapy. Eighteen percent of patients developed scarring, a seemingly minor side effect of surgery. Since scissors excision treatment takes just one visit and is cost-effective, it should be considered the first line treatment for anogenital warts.

Further research is needed to determine whether atevirdine mesylate (U-87201E) is effective in treating HIV infection. This drug belongs to a class of AIDS drugs called non-nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitors. In a study of 34 HIV-infected patients, the drug did not substantially lower viral levels or increase T cell counts. However, in 41% of the patients, the virus became resistant to the drug. This resistance might not develop if the drug is given in combination with other AIDS drugs such as zidovudine.